What is considered a 'bad' SAT score?

SAT...ugh...I just got my scores back and I'm not feeling too great about it. Can anyone tell me what's generally considered a 'bad' SAT score? I just want to understand where I stand.

It's important to clarify that what's considered a "good" or "bad" SAT score is entirely subjective and it varies significantly depending on factors such as the schools you're planning to apply to and their average scores of accepted students.

In general, if you score below the 50th percentile, it could be considered below average. As of now, the SAT's maximum score is 1600, after the test's redesign in 2024. To give you some benchmarks, the 25th percentile national average is approximately 1050, the 50th percentile (the median) is around 1100, and the 75th percentile is slightly above 1250. If you're scoring below these figures, the score might be considered "lower."

But remember, these are national averages. When it comes to selective colleges, the average scores of admitted students are usually higher. For instance, at highly selective colleges, admitted students' scores are often above 1400, and at Ivy leagues, they often exceed 1500. So check the average SAT scores of your target schools for a better perspective.

That said, don't despair if your score isn't where you want it to be. Lower scores don't necessarily mean you can't gain admission to an excellent school, and conversely, a high score doesn't guarantee admission. Colleges consider other factors like your grades, extracurricular activities, and personal statements in their admissions process. You can retake the SAT if you aren't happy with your score. Test preparation resources are available to help you improve. Besides, some schools are still test-optional, which means you can choose whether or not to submit your scores.

Besides, a test score doesn't define you or your potential, so don't let it discourage you. Use it as a motivation to prepare well and succeed in other areas of your application. Good luck!